Image display device having a cover member

ABSTRACT

An image display device comprising a body including a display for displaying digital images and a cover member attached to the body. The cover member is rotatable between three positions including a first position wherein the cover member is spaced from the display, second position wherein the cover member is disposed proximate the display, and a third position different than the first position wherein the display device is supported by the cover member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Priority is claimed from Provisional Application U.S. Serial No.60/367,586 filed on Mar. 26, 2002, entitled “MODULAR DIGITAL IMAGINGSYSTEM”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to digital imaging, andmore particularly, to a digital imaging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Digital imaging systems are well known and include, for example,digital image capture devices, digital cameras, digital displays,camcorders, digital video recorders, computers, and kiosks.

[0004] Current digital cameras can connect to a host computer by meansof a dock in order to transfer digital data to a computer. This digitaldata can include digital still images (e.g., JPEG files) as well asmotion video files (e.g., Quick Time files). One example is the KodakEasyShare DX3600 digital camera, which is sold with an optional dockingunit. The camera captures digital still images and motion videosegments, and stores the images using Flash EPROM memory. The stillimages and motion video files can be downloaded from the digital camerato the computer using the docking unit.

[0005] While such a digital camera has achieved a certain degree ofsuccess in its particular applications, there is a need for a digitalimaging system which is modular, transportable, and which can beemployed to share/transmit/archive/print/display digital images with orwithout the use of a computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a digitalimaging system which is modular, transportable, and can share digitalimages with or without the employment of a computer.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide integratedencasements to protect the delicate electronic components of the system.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide avariety of modular components that can be combined by a user to form acustom product that has the appearance and function of an integratedsystem. Additionally, the invention provides a manner of reducing thewires and complexity of external connection means between components.

[0009] These objects are given only by way of illustrative example.Thus, other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved bythe disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled inthe art. The invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided animage display device comprising a body including a display fordisplaying digital images and a cover member attached to the body. Thecover member is rotatable between three positions including a firstposition wherein the cover member is spaced from the display, secondposition wherein the cover member is disposed proximate the display, anda third position different than the first position wherein the displaydevice is supported by the cover member.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, there is providedan image display device comprising a body and a cover member rotatablyattached to the body. The body includes a substantially planar sidehaving a display for displaying digital images, and a receiving port forreceiving a removable digital data storage device adapted to storedigital images. The cover member includes a substantially planar side.The cover member is rotatable between a first position wherein thesubstantially planar side of the cover member is disposed proximate thesubstantially planar side of the body, and a second position wherein thedisplay device is supported by the substantially planar side of thecover member.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there isprovided an image display device including a body and a cover member.The body includes a first substantially planar side having a display fordisplaying digital images and a second substantially planar side. Thebody further includes a receiving port for receiving a removable digitaldata storage device adapted to store digital images. The cover member isrotatably attached to the body to move between a first position whereinthe cover member is disposed proximate the first side of the body, asecond position wherein the cover member is disposed proximate thesecond side of the body, and a third position wherein the display deviceis supported by the cover member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a display device in accordancewith the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a display module in accordancewith the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a digital imaging system inaccordance with the present invention comprising the display deviceshown in FIG. 1 and the display module shown in FIG. 2.

[0017]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a CD module.

[0018]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a printer module.

[0019]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a modular digital imagingsystem in accordance with the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 shows a top view of the digital imaging system of FIG. 6when the display device is folded back into a display recess.

[0021]FIG. 8 shows a front view of the digital imaging system shown inFIG. 7.

[0022]FIG. 9 shows an alternate arrangement of the support member withinthe display module.

[0023]FIG. 10 shows a side view of a module in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0024]FIG. 11 shows a top view of the module of FIG. 10.

[0025]FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the module of FIG. 10 with themodule being in an unlocked position.

[0026]FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of the module of FIG. 10 with themodule being in a locked position.

[0027]FIG. 14 shows a side view of several modules in a stackingarrangement.

[0028]FIG. 15 shows a backside of the modular digital imaging system ofFIG. 6.

[0029]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the display device in adisplay mode.

[0030]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the display device with thecover member covering the display.

[0031]FIG. 18 shows a front view of a hinge mechanism hinging the covermember to the display device.

[0032]FIG. 19 shows a side view of FIG. 18.

[0033]FIG. 20 shows a side view of the display device with the covermember covering the display.

[0034]FIG. 21 shows a side view of the display device with the covermember folded back away from the display so as to be positioned adjacenta side opposite the display.

[0035]FIG. 22 shows the cover member supporting the display device inthe display mode.

[0036] FIGS. 23(a) through (g) shows the movement of the cover memberrelative to the display device.

[0037]FIG. 24 shows a top view of a cover member comprising atransparent portion and an opaque portion.

[0038]FIG. 25 shows a perspective with of the display deviceillustrating the hinged mechanism and a USB port location.

[0039]FIG. 26 shows a front view of the display device and cover memberemploying a hinged mechanism comprising a clutch.

[0040]FIG. 27 shows a side view of FIG. 26.

[0041] FIGS. 28-31 show a perspective view of roller bearing elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The following is a detailed description of the preferredembodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings inwhich the same reference numerals identify the same elements ofstructure in each of the several figures.

[0043] Reference is also made to commonly assigned application U.S. Ser.No. xx/xxx,xxx entitled “MODULAR DIGITAL IMAGING SYSTEM”, filed on Mar.21, 2003 and provisionally filed on Mar. 26, 2002 in the names of Manicoet al, and which is assigned to the assignee of this application.

[0044]FIG. 1 shows a display device 10 in accordance with the presentinvention. Display device 10 comprises an image display 12 fordisplaying a digital image, and a receiving port 14 for receiving adigital data storage device 16. In FIG. 1, receiving port 14 isconfigured as a slot/aperture adapted to receive a digital storagedevice 16, such as a floppy disk, memory card, memory stick or CD. Imagedisplay 12 can be a color LCD, an organic light emitting display (OLED),or the like, as known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, displaydevice 10 can display motion video images and still digital images.Display device 10 preferably comprises at least one speaker 13.

[0045] Display device 10 can comprise a cover member 17, which is shownin FIG. 1 as being folded back away from display 12 to abut a side ofdisplay device 10 opposite display 12.

[0046] Display device 10 further comprises at least one selection member18 for selecting and manipulating (e.g., zoom, crop, delete) a digitalimage displayed on display 12. FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality ofselection members, shown as buttons, arrows, and a four-way selectionbutton, which can be employed to provide instructions to display device10 to display a digital image on display 12. Display 12 can beconfigured as a touch screen. Accordingly, a physical contact withdisplay 12 would be used to select or provide instructions to displaydevice 12. The physical contact with display 12 can be accomplished, forexample, by a finger contacting display 12, or a stylus. A stylus can beprovided with display device 10 and stored in an aperture 20 disposed indisplay device 10 for ready access by a user.

[0047] It is recognized that display device 10 can be an image capturedevice, such as a digital camera, video recorder, or camcorder, adaptedto capture digital images, sound, and motion video images in addition todisplaying digital images and motion video images. If display device 10is configured as an image capture device, display device 10 wouldfurther comprise a flash member or other illumination device 22 as wellas a lens and an activation member for activating display device 10 tocapture an image. Still further, it is understood that display device 10would then further include elements employed for image capture and imageprocessing, such as an image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS), analog-to-digitalconverter, and digital image processor. An example of a digital camerawhich could be employed as display device 10 is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,292,218, issued Sep. 18, 2001, titled “Electronic camera forinitiating capture of still images while previewing motion images”, byParulski et al, herein incorporated by reference.

[0048] Display device 10 can further comprise a communication port 24for communicating with another device. Communication port 24 is shown inFIG. 1 as a USB connection disposed on a lower edge 26 of display device10.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of afirst module referred to, for ease of discussion, as a display dock ordisplay module 30. Display module 30 comprises a body 32 and a supportmember 34 pivotably connected to body 32 so as to pivot in a directionas shown by arrow A in FIG. 2. The pivoting operation may be achieved bymanual manipulation by the user or by a motor (not shown). Supportmember 34 comprises a recess 36 adapted to receive and support displaydevice 10. When display device 10 is positioned in recess 36 and pivotedin a full horizontal position, display device 10 is encased by displaymodule 30 in a display recess 62 and is protected by display module 30.Display module 30 can further comprise an electrical connector 37.

[0050]FIG. 3 shows display device 10 disposed within display module 30to define a digital imaging system 35 in accordance with the presentinvention. As shown, lower edge 26 is inserted into recess 36 such thatthe portion of display device 10 adjacent lower edge 26 is supportedwithin support member 34, permitting an unobstructed view of display 12of display device 10. That is, an image displayed in displayed 12 can beviewed while display device 10 is docked within display module 30;display 12 is not obstructed from a user's view. Similarly, speakers 13are unobstructed by support member 34 so as not to interfere with soundreproduction. Alternatively, display module 30 and support member 34 maybe designed to incorporate sound directing ports and/or baffles toenhance the quality of the sound. Display module 30 acts as a holder orsupport for display device 10. Support member 34 can be pivoted toprovide a preferred viewing angle of display 12 by a user. In apreferred embodiment, selection members 18 are accessible when displaydevice 10 is supported by display module 30.

[0051] If display module 30 is provided with electrical connector 37,display module can be configured as a power source for display device 10or as a charger for a power supply (e.g., battery) disposed withindisplay device 10. Additionally, display recess 62 in display module 30may incorporate an additional connector for charging additionalbatteries.

[0052] Disposed within recess 36 is a communication connector (notshown) which can be matingly connected with communication port 24 ofdisplay device 10 when display device 10 is docked within display module30. When docked, a communication network is established by connectingcommunication port 24 and the communication connector, therebypermitting the transfer of digital data. For example, display module 30can comprise a modem and a telephone connector 38 (shown in FIG. 3),whereby digital data can be transmitted by means of a telephoneconnection. It is recognized that other communication networks known tothose skilled in the art can be employed in addition to a wiredcommunication network, for example, a cellular or wireless communicationnetwork. An example of a wireless communication network is a radiofrequency transponder and receiver disposed with display device 10 anddisplay module 30.

[0053] Display module 30 is one example of a module that can be employedwith display device 10. Additional modules can be employed with displaydevice 10. A compact disc (CD) module 40 is shown in FIG. 4 as having anopening 42 through which to receive a CD for reading or writing to theCD, and a printer module 50 is shown in FIG. 5 for providing a hardcopyprint 52 through a delivery aperture 54.

[0054] Each module is configured to have a complementary shape such thatwhen the modules abut, a modular system is provided. FIG. 6 generallyillustrates a perspective view of a modular digital imaging system 55 inaccordance with the present invention comprising display module 30 andat least one other module. The particular digital imaging system 55shown in FIG. 6 comprises display module 30, CD module 40, printermodule 50, and another module 60. Examples of other modules 60 include aDVD module for reading or writing DVDs, a telecommunication module(cellular, wired, or wireless), a videophone module, a stereo module forproviding amplified stereo sound and high quality speakers, a batterypack module (for example, comprising a heavy duty battery for providingextended operation of the digital imaging system without recharging orconnection to an electrical outlet), a hard drive module, a modemmodule, a television turner module, a digital tape drive module,computer connection module, illumination module, digital projector, filmwriter, film or print scanner, and an additional memory module.

[0055] Module 60 can be a “dummy” module. That is, it can be adecorative, functional, or non-functional module. For example, it can bea storage module having a recessed area for storage for batteries,cabling, manuals, print media, memory cards, CDs, or the like.Alternatively, the dummy module may serve as a base to raise the digitalimaging system to a particular height for preferred viewing by a user.Alternatively, a transformer for providing electrical power can bedisposed within a dummy module.

[0056] As configured, the modules are docking docks. That is, when amodule is docked with another module, a system of docks is formed. Thecomplementary shapes of the modules provides for an interlockingarrangement of the modules, which in addition to being aestheticallypleasing, provides a physically robust digital imaging system.

[0057] The modules can be arranged in a vertical orientation, as shownin FIG. 6. Alternatively, the modules can be arranged in a horizontalorientation with display device 10 being disposed on top of or adjacentto one of the modules.

[0058] With a modular system, the order of the modules is not relevant;any order can be employed, though in a preferred embodiment displaydevice 10 is disposed on top for optimal viewing.

[0059] Access to the modules (e.g., 30, 40, 50, 60) is preferably in thesame direction (i.e., on the same side) of digital imaging system 55, asshown in FIG. 6. Preferably, opening 42 of CD module 40 and deliveryaperture 54 of printer module 50 are directed toward the viewer, so asto provide ready access to 30 the modules. Likewise, display 12 ispreferably arranged so as to be viewed forward regardless of lensorientation, in the same direction as the access to the modules, forviewing an image through display 12 when display device 10 is docked indisplay module 30. It may be preferred to orient the lens toward theuser whenever the display device is inserted in display module 30 tofacilitate two way visual communication. Similarly, access for any media(i.e., paper for printer module 50) would preferably be obtained fromthe same forward direction.

[0060] Referring again to FIG. 6, display module 30 comprises a displayrecess 62. Support member 34 can be pivoted toward display recess 62, inthe direction shown by arrow B, such that display device 10 is fullyhoused within display recess 62 with display 12 facing outward. FIG. 7shows a top view of digital imaging system 55 when display device 10 ishoused within display recess 62, and FIG. 8 shows a corresponding frontview of digital imaging system 55. In this position, display device 10is protected from being bumped or jarred, and could be transported inthis configuration.

[0061]FIG. 9 shows an alternate arrangement wherein support member 34 ispivoted in a direction shown by arrow C, such that when display device10 is fully housed within display recess 62, display 12 is facinginward. In this position, display device 10 and display 12 are protectedfrom being bumped or jarred, such as during transport. In a furtherembodiment, support member 34 may be translated between the twopositions shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 so that a user can alternate housingdisplay device 10 within display recess 62 with display 12 facing inwardor outward.

[0062] As aforementioned, the order of the modules is irrelevant sincethey are configured to be interchangeable. Referring now to FIGS. 10through 14, the configuration of the modules (i.e., 40, 50, 60) isdescribed with regard to their interchangeability. For ease ofdiscussion reference is made to CD module 40 though, as indicated, 50,60 have the same configuration. Note that the configuration for themodules need only be the same at the interface, and may be different inthickness and shape as necessary to accommodate their function. FIG. 10shows a front view of CD module 40. FIG. 11 shows a top view of CDmodule 40. FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of CD module 40 with the modulebeing in an unlocked position. While FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of CDmodule 40 with the module being in a locked position.

[0063] CD module 40 comprises a plurality of support members or footers70 disposed on a bottom side 72, as well as a female electricalconnection portion 74. Disposed on a top side 75 of CD module 40 is amale electrical connection portion 78 adapted to mate with femaleportion 74 of an abutting module (for the particular example, displaymodule 30, best shown in FIG. 14). Also disposed on top side 75 of CDmodule 40 are a plurality of footer receiving areas or detents 78adapted to receive footers 70 of the abutting module (for the particularexample, display module 30, as best shown in FIG. 14). The footerstherefore provide both a locating and locking feature/function.Additionally, the footers may be constructed of an elastic material suchas polyurethane capable of compression and capable of providing highfriction. The compression may aid in the locking mechanism by providingspring action. The function of the footers when docked is to providealignment and shock absorption. When not docked, the footers providenon-slip contact with the other surfaces and shock absorption. Furtherdisposed on top side 75 is at least one attachment member 80 adapted tosecure the modules. Attachment member 80 of CD module 40 mates with anattachment opening 82 disposed in bottom side 72 of an abutting module(for the particular example, display module 30, best shown in FIG. 14).Attachment members 80 can comprise an engagement surface for the lockingmechanism to make contact against.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, attachment opening 82 and femaleportion 74 are protected by a cover from dust/dirt/debris when not beingemployed. When the module is to be docked with another module, the coveris moved to provide access to attachment opening 82 and female portion74. FIG. 12 shows a lever 84 in an open position wherein attachmentopening 82 and female portion 74 are accessible. FIG. 13 shows lever 84in a closed position wherein attachment opening 82 and female portion 74are not accessible for docking. However, once docked with anothermodule, lever 84 can be moved to the closed position to secure/capturethe module with another module. FIG. 15 shows a backside of digitalimaging system 55 illustrating a plurality of levers 84 in the closedposition.

[0065] Once docked, the electrical connection of the module is made withthe other modules, particularly display module 30 which provides aninterface to display device 10.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the user interface for digital imagingsystem 35, 55 is not contained with module 40, 50, 60. Rather, usercontrol would be provided by display device 10 or display module 30.Accordingly, each time a module 40, 50, 60 is docked, software for themodule would be uploaded or accessed by display device 10 or displaymodule 30. This software may be uploaded from firmware within themodules or via the communications link 38 or via the removable digitalmemory device 16. As such, a cumulative user interface is provided. Theuser interface can be designed with a consistent look and feel for allmodules added to the system.

[0067] Further, with such an arrangement, the user interface of digitalimaging system 35, 55 could be changed/modified by changing adisplay/screen of display device 10. That is, different features couldbe accessible or not accessible depending on the display/screen ofdisplay device 10. For example, for a new user of a digital camera, alimited feature set could be provided whereas for a professionalphotographer, a more advanced feature set could be provided. In anotherexample, display device 10 provides zoom and crop features only when aparticular display/screen is used.

[0068] With the modules docked, the modules can be monitored andmanaged. For example, power management can be monitored, and powershifted to different modules as required. For example, printing imagesmay be suspended during the time a CD is being written. In anotherexample, memory can be shared between modules as required for examplefor queuing a large number of images or long segment of video.

[0069] Display module 30 can comprise more than one support member 34 toaccommodate more than one display device 10. For example, it may bedesired to charge more than one display device 10 at one time. Indeed,support member 34 (i.e., display module 30) can be configured toaccept/receive more than one type/model of display device. Additionally,display devices 10 may be able to share data when connected to displaymodule 30.

[0070] When display device 10 is docked within support member 34 ofdisplay module 30, CD module 40 can be configured to automaticallydownload to a CD all new images stored on digital storage device 16 ornewly transmitted images to display device 10 by means of acommunication network. Printer module 50 can be likewise configured sothat new images are automatically printed. The modules may store thefilenames or other identification of digital data files that have beenstored or printed so as to facilitate the identification of new digitaldata files for storage or printing. This technique may also be used forsharing images by means of the communications link 38.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, display device 10 operates in a display modewhen docked in display module 30.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 16, cover member 17 can be employed as astand or support device so that display device 10 can be supportedwithout the use of display module 30. Alternatively, cover member 17 canbe moved to partially or completely cover display 12, as shown in FIG.17, thereby providing protection, shock absorption, and/or shielding ofdisplay 12, such as may be desired during transport or shipping.

[0073] If display device 10 is a digital camera (i.e., is adapted tocapture images), then cover member 17 would be positioned as shown inFIG. 1 during the capture of an image.

[0074] As such, cover member 17 has three positions for three modes ofoperation: a camera mode (shown in FIG. 1), a display mode (shown inFIG. 16), and a protection/closed mode (shown in FIG. 17).

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 18 through 22, cover member 17 comprises adual hinged mechanism for movement between the three modes. Hingedmechanism 90 comprises a hinge 92 pivotally connected to display device10 along a first hinge edge 94, and pivotally connected to cover member17 along a second hinge edge 96. A connection portion 98 of displaydevice 10 pivotally connected to hinge 92 along first hinge edge 94 isconfigured to rotate/pivot about an axis directed along first hinge edge94. Similarly, cover member 17 is configured to rotate/pivot about anaxis directed along second hinge edge 96. Each hinge can be operatedindependent of the other.

[0076] Hinged mechanism 90 provides for the movement of cover member 17between the three modes. FIGS. 20 through 22 show a side view of displaydevice 10 with cover member 17 disposed in the three modes. As shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, the thickness of display device 10 remains constantwhen cover member 17 is disposed on either side of the display device.As such, display device 10 can be positioned within support member 34 ofdisplay module 30 when cover member 17 is in the positions shown inFIGS. 20 and 21. When cover member 17 is placed adjacent a supportsurface, display 12 is viewable by a user. The angle a formed betweendisplay 12 and cover member 17 can be adjusted by a user for optimalviewing of display 12 by the user.

[0077] Cover member 17 may comprise a coating on one or more sides. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 22, one side of cover member 17 includes acoating 95. In the display mode shown in FIG. 22, coating 95 provides anon-skid, non-slip feature to secure display device 10. When covermember 17 is in the closed mode (FIG. 20), the same coating 95 providesshock absorption and protection for display 12 as well as a moistureshield. When cover member 17 is in the camera mode (FIG. 21), the samecoating 95 provides a gripping, non-slip feature for grasping displaydevice 10.

[0078] Materials which are suitable for use as coating 95 are known tothose skilled in the art, and can comprise polymers, non-slip polymers,rubber materials, polyurethane materials, non-transfer adhesives.

[0079] FIGS. 23(a) through (g) provide another illustration of themovement of cover member 17 relative to display 12, and positioningdisplay device 10 into the three modes of operation.

[0080] Cover member 17 is shown as being opaque, such as being comprisedof a metal or rigid plastic. However, portions of or all of cover member17 may be transparent, whereby display 12 would be visible when covermember 17 is disposed in front of display 12. For example, FIG. 24generally illustrates cover member 17 having an opaque portion 97 and atransparent portion 101, such as comprised of a transparent plexiglassor rigid plastic. Transparent portion 101 may be configured such thatthe display 12 remains at least partially visible. During capture mode,cover member 17 can protect display 12 while being used as a viewfinder.

[0081] The position of cover member 17 can automatically provide themode of operation of display device 10. That is, automatic modedetection can be determined by the position of cover member 17. Forexample, moving cover member 17 to the camera mode would automaticallyactivate the power of display device 10. Similarly, when cover member 17is moved to the closed mode, display device 10 may be automaticallypowered down. Likewise, when cover member 17 is moved to the closedmode, other features of display device 10 may automatically powered downor moved/rotated to a “closed/off” position. For example, flash member22 (shown in FIG. 1) may be moved/rotated to a covered/shut positionwhen cover member 17 is moved to the closed mode.

[0082] Other arrangements for hinged mechanism 90 may be known to thoseskilled in the art. For example, FIG. 25 shows cover member 17 in theclosed mode, wherein a portion of cover member 17 is hinged, therebypermitting a stationary USB connection 99 to be disposed along astationary (non-rotatable) bottom edge of display device 10.

[0083]FIGS. 26 through 31 show alternate arrangements for hingedmechanism 90. As illustrated, a clutch is employed comprising a clutchpad 110, spring 112, thumbwheel 114, threaded shaft 116, and anut/cavity 118. Thumbwheel 114 is loosened or tightened for spacing ofclutch pad 110. Clutch pad 110 can be comprised of Teflon or similarmaterials. Detents 120 and ball probe 122 can be employed to providediscrete movement of the cover member, as shown in FIGS. 28 through 31.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types ofclutches can be employed, for example, pressure clutches, magneticclutches, friction clutches, and interference fit.

[0085] A computer program product may include one or more storagemedium, for example; magnetic storage media such as magnetic disk (suchas a floppy disk) or magnetic tape; optical storage media such asoptical disk, optical tape, or machine readable bar code; solid-stateelectronic storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), orread-only memory (ROM); or any other physical device or media employedto store a computer program having instructions for controlling one ormore computers to practice the method according to the presentinvention.

[0086] The invention has been described in detail with particularreference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understoodthat variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit andscope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments aretherefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appendedclaims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. PARTS LIST 10display device 12 display 13 speaker 14 receiving port 16 digitalstorage device 17 cover member 18 selection members 20 aperture; forstylus 22 flash member/ illumination device 24 communication port 26lower edge 30 display module 32 body 34 support member 35 digitalimaging system 36 recess 37 electrical connector 38 telephone connector/communications link 40 CD module 42 opening 50 printer module 52hardcopy print 54 delivery aperture 55 digital imaging system 60 othermodule 62 display recess 70 module support members; footers 72 bottomside 74 female electrical connection portion 75 top side 76 maleelectrical connection portion 78 footer receiving area; detent 80attachment member 82 attachment opening 84 lever 90 dual hingedmechanism 92 hinge 94 first hinge edge 95 coating 96 second hinge edge97 opaque portion 98 connection portion 99 USB connection 101transparent portion 110 clutch pad 112 spring 114 thumb wheel 116threaded shaft 118 nut/cavity 120 detents 122 ball probe

What is claimed is:
 1. An image display device, comprising: a bodyincluding a display for displaying digital images; and a cover memberattached to the body and rotatable between three positions including afirst position wherein the cover member is spaced from the display,second position wherein the cover member is disposed proximate thedisplay, and a third position different than the first position whereinthe display device is supported by the cover member.
 2. The imagedisplay device of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises areceiving port for receiving a removable digital data storage deviceadapted to store digital images.
 3. The image display device of claim 1,wherein the cover member is comprised of an opaque material.
 4. Theimage display device of claim 1, wherein the cover member is comprisedof a transparent material.
 5. The image display device of claim 1,wherein the display has a first size and the cover member has a secondsize substantially equal to the first size such that the cover membersubstantially covers the display when disposed in the second position.6. The image display device of claim 1, further comprising a mechanismfor rotating the cover member between the first, second, and thirdpositions.
 7. The image display device of claim 6, wherein the mechanismis a dual hinged mechanism.
 8. The image display device of claim 6,wherein the mechanism is pivotably connected to the body along a firsthinge edge and pivotably connected to the cover member along a secondhinge edge.
 9. The image display device of claim 6, wherein themechanism comprises a clutch.
 10. The image display device of claim 6,wherein the body comprises a first side, a second side, and a third sideintermediate the first and second sides, the display being disposed onthe first or second side, the mechanism being disposed on the thirdside.
 11. The image display device of claim 6, wherein the first andsecond sides are substantially planar.
 12. The image display device ofclaim 1, wherein the cover member comprises a coating to promote supportof the display device when the cover member is disposed in the thirdposition.
 13. The image display device of claim 1, wherein the covermember comprises a coating to promote protection of the display when thecover member is disposed in the second position.
 14. The image displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first side and a secondside opposite the first side, and the cover member is rotatable to bedisposed proximate the first and second sides.
 15. The image displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first substantiallyplanar side and a second substantially planar side opposite the firstside, the cover member comprises a first substantially planar side and asecond substantially planar side opposite the first side, and the covermember is rotatable to be disposed proximate the first and second sidesof the body.
 16. The image display device of claim 1, further comprisingactivation means for activating a power unit when the cover member isrotated to the first position.
 17. The image display device of claim 16,further comprising deactivation means for deactivating the power unitwhen the cover is rotated to the second position.
 18. An image displaydevice, comprising: a body including a substantially planar side havinga display for displaying digital images, and a receiving port forreceiving a removable digital data storage device adapted to storedigital images; and a cover member rotatably attached to the body, thecover member including a substantially planar side, the cover memberbeing rotatable between a first position wherein the substantiallyplanar side of the cover member is disposed proximate the substantiallyplanar side of the body, and a second position wherein the displaydevice is supported by the substantially planar side of the covermember.
 19. The image display device of claim 18, further comprising adual hinged mechanism for rotating the cover member between the firstand second positions.
 20. The image display device of claim 18, whereinthe cover member is comprised of an opaque material.
 21. The imagedisplay device of claim 18, wherein the cover member is comprised of atransparent material.
 22. An image display device, comprising: a bodyincluding a first substantially planar side having a display fordisplaying digital images and a second substantially planar side, and areceiving port for receiving a removable digital data storage deviceadapted to store digital images; and a cover member rotatably attachedto the body between a first position wherein the cover member isdisposed proximate the first side of the body, a second position whereinthe cover member is disposed proximate the second side of the body, anda third position wherein the display device is supported by the covermember.
 23. The image display device of claim 22, wherein the covermember includes a first substantially planar side and a secondsubstantially planar side, the first side of the cover member beingdisposed proximate the first side of the body in the first position, andthe second side of the cover member being disposed proximate the secondside of the body in the second position.